Bequette, a defensive end/linebacker, recorded 8.5 sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior. He was one of six defensive players drafted by the Patriots this April, and only first-rounder Dont’a Hightower remains unsigned out of the group of seven total drafted rookies.

“They showed some early interest in me at the Senior Bowl and then at the Combine,” Bequette said after being drafted 90th overall. “And then I had a workout in Fayetteville with them and then I got a great feeling from them. I guess I really impressed them.”